A discreet eco-luxe hideout in the city of love – ideal for a clandestine romance with a French lover.
One normally associates French design with Louis XIV furniture or Provençal-country style, but the Hidden Hotel in Paris is minimalist chic that is also très planet friendly. The French are well-known for their love affairs, so where better for a secret rendezvous with your amoureux(se) than a hotel that is virtually invisible, tucked away down a tiny alley?
Everything is exquisitely natural – not a hint of plastic or metal – and the textures are super-tactile. Even the facade of the building is clad in recycled floorboards. In the 23 wood-paneled guest rooms and suites on six floors, you can swathe yourself in organic linens after showering in the earthy ceramic, stone and slate bathroom. Rather than hard doors, there are floaty curtains dividing sleeping from bathing space. Handy for a spot of suggestive dancing.
The beds have mattresses made from organic coconut fibers and private terraces are wood-decked (naturally).
Want to invite your amis round for a cosy dinner chez toi? You can book the private kitchen and 12-seater dining room to whip up moules marinières and citron soufflé (or splash out on your own chef); if that all sounds too complicated, the bar has cocktails and amuse-bouches.
Take home the low-key rustic-chic with some furniture and clothes from their shop. What do stylish French people wear over the weekend? Linen shirts and simple knitwear that scream effortless elegance.
Rates from $181 including tax, organic breakfast and an innate sense of Parisian eco-chic.
Places & Spaces is a travel guide that will inspire you to carve out a vacation on your calendar. All of the gorgeous locations and accommodations in our guide share our concern for the environment. From tent glamping to lavish built environments, fair warning, you’ll feel compelled to pack your suitcase.